Synthesis of naturally biodegradable bioplastic using congress grass and sugarcane bagasse biowaste derived cellulose acetate and PEG-600 blend: Physico-chemical characterization and degradability analysis

This work reports the sustainable and economic development of CG-BP20 % and SB-BP20 % bioplastics films made with cellulose acetate (CA), which was derived from cellulose extracted from two lignocellulosic biowastes: sugarcane bagasse (SB) and congress grass (CG). SB and CG-based cellulose was extracted employing a chlorine and alkaline treatment procedure, and then controlled acetylation process yields cellulose acetate. After that, CG-BP20 % and SB-BP20 % bioplastic films were developed by incorporating 20 % (w/v) PEG-600 plasticizer into cellulose acetate. Comprehensive characterization revealed that CG-BP20 % and SB-BP20 % possess a semi-crystalline structure, extensive functionality that enhances the miscibility of PEG-600 with CA, homogenous and smooth surface morphologies with minor imperfections, high surface integrity, and a lower glass transition temperature. The absorbance, solubility, and swelling tests of CG-BP20 % and SB-BP20 % films in pure water exhibit notable hydrophilicity and minimal swelling and deformation, supporting microbial degradation of the bioplastic films in the natural environment. Both films demonstrated considerable solubility in ethanol and acetic acid solvents (40 % v/v), while exhibiting excellent solubility in sulfuric and orthophosphoric acids (20 % and 40 % v/v). Biodegradability experiments yield that CG-BP20 % and SB-BP20 % bioplastics exhibit total weight losses of 41.42 % and 40.68 %, respectively, under soil burial conditions, whereas substantial weight losses of approximately 48.78 % and 51.35 % were observed in controlled environment composting. Consequently, PEG-600 blends with CA (based on CG and SB) provide sustainable and naturally biodegradable bioplastics, which may serve as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics.